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A dependent or subordinate clause makes sense only when it is embedded in or connected with the independent or principal clause using a subordinate conjunction, a signal word that connects the dependent or subordinate clause to the independent or principal clause.
See how the subordinate conjunctions connect the dependent and the independent clauses together in the following sentences:
To help you identify a dependent or subordinate clause in a complex sentence, here is a list of subordinate conjunctions.
| Time | after, as soon as, before, since, until, when, whenever, while |
| Place | where, wherever |
| Cause | because, since |
| Effect | in order that, so that |
| Condition | even if, if, unless |
| Contrast or Concession | although, even though, though, whereas, while |
Other subordinate conjunctions include the relative pronouns who, whoever, whom, whomever, whose, which, whichever, that, and the relative adverbs where, when, why, whenever, and wherever.
Relative pronouns and relative adverbs are used in complex sentences. They introduce adjective or relative clauses. They always follow a noun or a noun phrase. They “relate” to the nouns they follow by giving more information about them.
Examples:
Tian, who lives in the clouds far above the world relative clause , came down to the human world to teach kindness and generosity.
Tian abundantly rewarded the man that showed him total kindness relative clause .
The place where Tian met Wang relative clause was at the inn.
That was the time when Tian first met Wang relative clause .